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Forum Excerpts - June 2000 |
| Geographia Club Viva Fortuna Review |
| 6/28/00 1:36:45 PM by Tony (astramgr@aol.com) |
| Just got back two days ago from Viva Fortuna and absolutely loved it ! Spent 8 days 7 nights , the food was wonderful , great variety and excellent at every meal. The grounds are kept beautiful , the beach is awesome with their own coral reef to snorkel on.We stayed at a part of the hotel that was a little far away from everything (5min walk!)but that building was only 18 months old and immaculate with a wonderful view of a small lake.the party staff were extremely friendly and always around and eager to get involved with anything.The only complaint would be the local bartenders who acted as if they were doing you a favor by getting you a drink.I would highly recommend this place , the price is so right , and will definitely be returning ASAP ! Fell free to write me for any questions............. |
| Bahamas.com Information about Laker Airlines & Club Fortuna |
| June 23, 2000 4:25:56 pm UTC by (Knight6210@hotmail.com) |
| Group of four going to club fortuna in July,from Nashville,TN. |
| Bahamas-mon Trip Report - Club Fortuna |
| June 22, 2000 at 19:07:42 by Big Kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Club Fortuna was good.
Here's the deal for you and fiance at Club Fortuna. It was cool... Took Discovery Boat over to Bahamas. Ship was older but okay to get a feel if you ever want to take a cruise somewhere. Got to Fortuna, checked into room on time with no delays. They hit you with a bracelet that allows you to drink and eat for free.me and the wife are big on the buffet style meals but food was good to go. Different selections ( Veal, lamb, fish, etc). Poolside had a lot of activities (water aerobics, waterpolo, bocce (dont know too much about that game)) Played 90's music by the pool. Property had own dive shop, jetskis, kayaking, surfing, banana boat. Beach was nice...lot of different ethnic people (italians, brazilians, americans, etc) Secluded to go topless if wanted to (wife even thought about it)Staff was alright except at front desk but no different then here in the States. If you wanted to you could chill on property andnot go anywhere. We went kayaking, and did some fire eating shows. Kind expensive around town. Check out Port Lucaya Marketplace, couple of bars, outdoor ambience, limbo, fire-eating. If fiance wants real beer, go to Shenigans (Guinness Stout but 7.50 a pint) International Bazaar - good for souvenirs, couple of eating places and Straw market out back (cheaper stuff). If you have any particular questions email me. Enjoy, we just got back yesterday. Big Kahuna |
| June 22, 2000 at 22:28:12 by Danny (ditson@mediaone.net) |
|
Big Kahuna,
Good report. Any signs of problems at Fortuna. There have been a couple
not so good reports on the boards and I was wondering if you saw anything, like
closed sections of the resort. Others have been asking and I haven't been able
to confirm anything.
Danny |
| June 23, 2000 at 05:38:13 by Big Kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Danny,
No closed sections of resort.All bldgs were in operation. Try to get a room in Bimini section , if possible. Good view of Beach and Pool area. Pool was operational, sport house (jetskis, watersports stuff) was operational. Dining rooms and restaurant were open. Hope this helps. Had great time. P.S. Rooms had clay tiled floors but were nice and air conditioned and no bugs (my wife hates bugs so important to my sanity (ha)) I think my wife is going to scan layout of property for further info. Big Kahuna |
| July 04, 2000 at 20:24:02 by Jan |
| Hello My husband and I visited Club Fortuna last year. I really hated the room. The A/C worked fine in our room but a friend waited 3 days for hers to get fixed. The way the rooms are set up most do not have view of beach. I disliked not having carpet on the floor and the tile was unclean. I ended up putting sheets down on the floor just for us to walk around so we would not have dirty sheets on our bed from our feet. There were also ROACHES in our room. We went end of Oct of last year and heat was unbearable most days. We went into town one afternoon but felt there was nothing real great seeing at the markets. If we would of gotten a hotel without the beach we really would of been disappointed. Also they tried to sell us a time share. Don't do it. It is no longer a 5 star hotel in fact I think it was only a 3 star. It would be hard to trade up. Staff was friendly and food was good. But as far as liking the room. NO WAY. |
| Geographia Club Viva Fortuna Review |
| 6/21/00 2:26:06 PM by V. Traub |
|
Who can tell me something about the hotel?
Is there a laudry or something like that.
How far is it from Freeport? How can I get to Freeport? Is Grand
Bahamas save ( e.g. bus driving )?
Thank you! |
| Bahamas-On-Line Club Fortuna Beach |
| 08:31:42 on 06/20/00 by Sue H. (Rheffopp@aol.com) |
| Hi, We are planning a vaction in late Oct. We are trying to find a picture of the rooms. Does anyone know if the rooms have balconys? I have been told "yes" by one rep and "no" by another. Would you recommend the Seaview over the Gardernview? Any information would be great! |
| 14:47:29 on 06/20/00 by Bahama-Mama (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Sue H,
You might want to check out the website at: http://www.wheretostay.com/islands/resorts/678.html You can email me (carriek5@hotmail.com)for more information about Club Fortuna and for general info. on Grand Bahama Island including activities, nightlife, beaches, transportation, etc. Keep in mind that there is no public bus near Club Fortuna so you will have to depend on taxis which are quite expensive. Yes Sue, the rooms have balconies. I would expect the seaview nicer than the garden view....but you are still quite a bit inward from the beach. Also note that the rooms are quite small. Club Fortuna does offer good value for your money. Read the other Bahamas message boards as well where you'll see some recent postings on Club Fortuna -- www.grand-bahama.com (click on newsgroup) and www.bahamas-mon.com (click on travel forum and then scroll down to Freeport). Apparently, there have been some problems recently with the water system at Club Fortuna according to a few postings -- I would think that the problem will be cleared up by the time you go. I will say that The Lucayan (also known as Reef Village at the Lucayan) is the nicest property on the island -- the poolside is lovely, it's on the beach and right across the road from Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina where there is a variety of shops, restaurants and open air bars in a nice waterfront setting. Everything is at hand for the tourist staying at The Lucayan and the bus stop is a ten minute walk. The Lucayan also has an evening shuttle to the Casino at Bahamia that is complimentary to guests of the hotel. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. Club Fortuna has lots of watersports and activities, and the fact that it's all inclusive, makes it attractive. I believe I may have left a few postings on The Lucayan as well as Club Fortuna on this message board - just go through the archives at the bottom of the page (probably look in archives 25 back to 17 for some of my postings that may give you a perspective on what to expect). There are postings on the other boards as well from myself and other frequent travellers to the island. I hope that you will have a nice vacation. Please feel free to email me directly if you would like more info. best regards, Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| Bahamas-On-Line Club Fortuna Beach Grand Bahama |
| 08:27:59 on 06/17/00 by rob (irierob@ptd.net) |
| anybody going to club fortuna between 6-23-00 thru 6-30-00?looking to hook up with other couple from usa and explore secluded beaches on east end of Grand Bahama Island by rented jeep.safety in numbers is always nice.we are both 40 year old professional people and well seasoned travelers.maybe also evening trips to port lucaya or freeport as well. if interested e-mail irierob@ptd.net |
| 15:24:49 on 06/17/00 by Bahama-Mama (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Rob,
If you need any further info. on Club Fortuna and Port Lucaya Marketplace, activities, etc., feel free to email me. I have heard some rumours of problems lately at Club Fortuna -- you may have seen some postings on the message boards. Check out the archives too down below. If you need info. on driving directions, and other info. feel free to email me directly. best regards Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| Geographia Spirit Travel/Club Fortuna |
| 6/14/00 5:29:36 PM by Ann (pauleya@trinitydc.edu) |
|
I received a vacation award for sitting through a painless timeshare
presentation by Fairfield Resorts (publicly-traded, legitimate company).
The award is through Spirit Travel. They arrange and pay for airline tickets
for two; I pay for the hotel. One of the hotel options is Club Fortuna,
$289/night. I've read great reviews of the Club on this newsgroup, though
it is a bit far from any non-resort activity.
My questions: Has anyone had a successful vacation through Spirit Travel? Has anyone had any disasters? I am going into this with my eyes wide open - I know I have to pay for hotel, taxes, various other fees. But am I a fool to take advantage of this? Could I do better with a package deal? Is $289 a night a good deal? The other option is the Bahama Princess at $109/night. What do readers think of that? Ann |
| 6/22/00 10:21:56 AM by Connie (connie1a@aol,com) |
| What do others think? This person thinks you're "crazy" for going to a time share presentation. Do you really think your airfare is FREE. We just stayed at the Lucayan for $1,100. per COUPLE for a week. Do the math. This isn't the last you'll hear from them. They will expect you to come to their "sales pitch" again. I know someone who owns time at Fortuna and she thinks it's great. She pays a "fortune to get there every year though. She could go anywhere for the airfare she pays. Somehow the idea of OWNING something for a vacation is intriguing.. All you are doing is renting a room and paying deerly for it over a period of time. As for the Free Deal--nothing is free call a travel agent and book a week at the Lucayan or anywhere on the island, but please DON'T fall for the free airfare scam. Remember that last word. SCAM ! ! ! |
| Bahamas.com Club Viva Fortuna |
| June 12, 2000 5:49:15 pm UTC by Big P. |
|
Looking for info on Viva Fortuna? Anyone who has good info
about staff, etc, please respond.
Thanks, Big P |
| Bahamas-mon Club Viva Fortuna |
| June 12, 2000 at 13:13:29 by Big Kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Does anybody have any good info on Club Viva Fortuna? Staying there the 2nd
week of June. Any real-time info concerning dining, watersports, or activities
at the Club Fortuna property would be appreciated.
Big Kahuna |
| June 13, 2000 at 11:44:12 by Sean Poole (seamus18@mindspring.com) |
|
Hi,
My wife and I stayed there last year and had a great time. We are going back in August. I really highly recommend the place. If you like to dive, there is an on-site dive operator. There are also tons of things to do. The dining is buffet style and the food is pretty good. A lot to choose from. |
| June 13, 2000 at 14:56:56 by Big K. (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Sean,
Thanks. Taking my wife there in a couple.......hoped to hear good things. Once again, thanks. Big K. |
| June 13, 2000 at 17:12:06 by bambieyes (www.bambieyes69@hotmail.com) |
| My fiance and I are getting married at Club Viva Fortuna the week of July 31. Can you give me the 411 on the resort. I've seen limited pictures and just can't get a good feel of this place. What can you tell me? FOOD, ACTIVITIES, ROOMS, STAFF, ETC. THANKS! |
| June 15, 2000 at 19:00:13 by big kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Hi, My wife and i will let you know.
Big Kahuna |
| June 22, 2000 at 19:05:13 by Big Kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
|
Bambieyes,
Here's the deal for you and fiance at Club Fortuna. It was cool... Took Discovery Boat over to Bahamas. Ship was older but okay to get a feel if you ever want to take a cruise somewhere. Got to Fortuna, checked into room on time with no delays. They hit you with a bracelet that allows you to drink and eat for free.me and the wife are big on the buffet style meals but food was good to go. Different selections ( Veal, lamb, fish, etc). Poolside had a lot of activities (water aerobics, waterpolo, bocce (dont know too much about that game)) Played 90's music by the pool. Property had own dive shop, jetskis, kayaking, surfing, banana boat. Beach was nice...lot of different ethnic people (italians, brazilians, americans, etc) Secluded to go topless if wanted to (wife even thought about it)Staff was alright except at front desk but no different then here in the States. If you wanted to you could chill on property andnot go anywhere. We went kayaking, and did some fire eating shows. Kind expensive around town. Check out Port Lucaya Marketplace, couple of bars, outdoor ambience, limbo, fire-eating. If fiance wants real beer, go to Shenigans (Guinness Stout but 7.50 a pint) International Bazaar - good for souvenirs, couple of eating places and Straw market out back (cheaper stuff). If you have any particular questions email me. Enjoy, we just got back yesterday. |
| June 14, 2000 at 08:42:21 by Linda (mac-creedy@webtv.net) |
| Hello. Just wanted to say that we tried as early as last week to find out about reservations at Club Viva Fortuna in the Grand Bahamas and was told by a travel agent that they weren't booking any reservations with Club Viva due to a water problem they were having. I remembered reading about this from someone else on one of these Traveler's Forum a while back and had forgotten. I was surprised hearing this again just last week, thinking it must be pretty serious if the problem still exists. Anyone going to Club Viva, I would advise checking into this further. |
| June 14, 2000 at 13:12:20 by Demetria (bambieyes69@hotmail.com) |
| As of June 14, 2000, Club Viva Fortuna is still having some water issues, but I'm not sure to what degree. I will be going there at the end of July, and was told that by then the problem should be fixed. We will see!! |
| June 22, 2000 at 18:52:03 by Big Kahuna (pj2528@aol.com) |
| Hey all. Stayed at Club Fortuna 17-21 june 00. No water problems at all. ZProperty was run very well with the exception of a couple of calls to the front desk for service. But no water problems at all. Big Kahuna |
| June 14, 2000 at 12:11:42 by jay and becky (jaybird_43787@yahoo.com) |
| we where just there the last week of may and had a great time!we are planning to go back next year. the food is buffet style and lots of it.there are only certian times to eat but they have two and a half hour windows per meal.while you are there, i would suggest the snorkeling and the dolpin excursion(which cost extra).if you like to dive,they have a dive instructor there also at the beach house.you also get coupons for beach towels when you check in.just take them to the beach house and get your towels.and get them exchanged as often as you like.the staff are really friendly and speak english.there are also shops on the premises as well as a bar,nightly enertainment,and daily activities at the pool(water polo,volley ball, and beach baseball.)and the best part is that it is all included in your package!(except for snorkeling,diving,and the dolphins)taxis are outside to take you to the market place or to the casino at any time which cost about$12.00.one word about snorkeling that i forgot.you can get the gear at the beach house for nothing and snorkel around the beach area and also get an underwater camera.the pictures will be assume!if you want to know anything,just ask the front desk.they are there to please you! have fun!! jay and becky |
| Geographia Help on Viva Fortuna |
| 6/8/00 5:17:57 PM by Tony (astramgr@aol.com) |
| We were hoping someone who recently visited viva fortuna could post some replies about their experiences . have been reading everything from the wonderful to downright scary and want as many opinions as possible. thanks |
| 6/8/00 11:24:36 PM by Cerri (MsCShelton@aol.com) |
|
Tony,
I posted my trip report on 6/3, and I know a few others have recently
posted about their experience at Club Viva Fortuna. I think you have to
ask yourself what you're looking for- if you intend to spend most of your
time on the beach or on excursions, if you intend on going to different
clubs, etc. to see if this resort is a match for you. Yes, you have to take a
cab almost everywhere except the sidetrips- they pick you up at your hotel
for those. Club Viva Fortuna has a great beach, a nice pool, plentiful food
and drinks and activities right there for you.
Cerri |
| 6/9/00 9:06:03 AM by Tony |
| Thanks Cerri , What i'm looking for is a week pool/beach side with massive amounts of relaxation/booze ! We're booked and leaving in a week , it's just that after seeing a few posts about the help/room problems a few people had posted we just really wanted to get an idea of how the place is , we're not expecting total luxury , just a clean room and nice grounds . I'm sure we'll venture to the casino and a happy hour in town a few times , we just wanted to make sure the complaints we're reading are from people who are probably never satisfied with anything and are the exception and not the rule . Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated (did you go to any good happy hours , any excursions extra special , things like that ) Thanks again............... |
| 6/12/00 1:13:38 PM by Diane (djacobus@ix.netcom.com) |
|
We stayed at Viva Fortuna last year and loved it. We are going back in
two weeks with 4 other people this time. The food was pleantiful and very
good. It's not a very fancy place, but very comfortable and laid back. It's a
taxi ride away from anywhere but excursions can be easily arranged.
There's pleanty to do, but at the same time, it's a great place to relax.
The only complaint I've heard about it (and this didn't bother me much,
anyway) was about how they hold luggage in the lobby after you've
checked out and still have a few hours til you depart for the airport. Some
people think the bags should be locked up in a separate room. Maybe so,
but I kept my valuables with me while I went back out on the beach.
Nobody's stuff was disturbed, anyway!
Have a great vacation. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! Diane |
| 6/15/00 8:58:55 AM by Tony |
| Well , 4 days and counting ! Thanks to all who responded , you've made mu mind a lot more at ease ! |
| 6/12/00 5:06:40 PM by Phil |
| My wife and I returned from Club VF last week and would agree with the other comments below - a great place if you're looking for relaxation and plenty of good food/drink. Not really suitable for those looking for a hectic nightlife, but it sounds like you'll enjoy it too. I know a few people complained about their rooms when we were there, but it seemed to be mostly about position rather than cleanliness etc. Ours was fine other than a couple of minor repairs that needed doing. Lots of options for organised trips, but easy enough to arrange car/bike hire or taxis if you prefer to do it yourself - we did and had no problems. Food was excellent, plenty of choice but vegetarians might get a little bored. Local people v.friendly also. Enjoy it - we're jealous already! |
| Geographia Loved Club Fortuna |
| 6/6/00 2:09:06 PM by Wendy (Wyndee261@aol.com) |
|
We just returned from Freeport and Club Viva Fortuna. I have to say I
absolutely loved the hotel. My husband and I have been to the Bahamas
several times, and this was the best all around experience for both of us.
We plan on going again next year and stay at Club Fortuna again. If
anyone has any questions about the resort, feel free to e-mail me. Wendy |
| 6/6/00 3:39:08 PM by Frank (digerfrank@aol.com) |
| We loved it too...and we go again in Sept. 2000..Frank |
| 7/6/00 10:50:04 AM by Toni Saunders (toni.saunders@cp.novartis) |
|
Hi!!
Planning to go end of Sept. Have you been before
in Sept? Heard its the end of hurricane season..
Any comments on September weather? When are you planning to go back
in Sept?
Thanks Toni |
| 7/21/00 5:06:26 AM by becky (bec_hulley@yahoo.com) |
| I'm planning to go to Club Viva Fortuna in sept 12-25 any info you have would be apreciated. |
| Bahamas-On-Line CLUB VIVA FORTUNA - STAY FAR AWAY!!!! |
| 12:36:38 on 06/02/00 by BELEK (BELEK@YAHOO.COM) |
|
My husband and I recently came back from a vacation at Club Viva Fortuna. The stay was anything but fortunate. The
club is inappropriately named. Here is a copy of the letter I sent to the travel agency upon returning to the states.
Let me preface this by stating that we enjoyed the Bahamians on the island that were not part of the management team at the club. All were very hospitable and friendly. Also in defense of Grand Bahama Vacations, everyone we spoke to that stayed at the Bahamia had an awesome time! We will be going back to the bahama's, booking through Grand Bahama Vacations, but certainly not staying at Club Fortuna. ** To Whom It May Concern at Grand Bahama Vacations. My husband and I had visited Club Fortuna via Bahama vacations approximately 5 years ago when we first met. We had such a great time, so we thought we would do it again. We arrived on May 11th, Thursday morning at approximately 1am. There were 6 couples including us. We were told by the night auditor that the manager had instructed her to tell us that there were no rooms available for us. She had no explanation as to why. We all demanded that she contact her manager immediately and give us an explanation of why we had no place to stay. She advised us that she had no way to contact the manager, no home number was given to her. I find this hard to believe that one does not have an on call number for someone in charge. Obviously the manager did not wish to be contacted and did not want to deal with this issue. Finally she said she had contacted the Port Lucaya Yacht Club and that we were to spend the night there and then come back at 9am in the morning when the manager would be there to address this issue. We showed up at the Port Lucaya Yacht Club. The man at the front desk did not even know that we were coming. So it was quite obvious that the night auditor had lied about calling. We started demanding rooms. We are now going on 3am! He called Club Fortuna and his manager to verify that Club Fortuna would pay for this. Finally we start to check in. They gave us a room where the air conditioner was so noisy we finally had to shut it off to get some sleep. Albeit an uncomfortable sleep since it was so warm and muggy. My husband and I got approximately an hours worth of sleep. Also before going to sleep I had called the front desk because the was no remote for the TV. He in turn proceeds to tell me that we were not going to be staying at Club Fortuna for the rest of our vacation, but across the street at the Lucayan Resort, that had just been recently renovated. Which considering the circumstances would have been ok, but then he informs me it is not a all inclusive resort. I am extremely angry at this point. The last thing I wanted to do was battle for food and drinks every day, especially when I had already paid for it. So at 9am we are back at Club Fortuna ready to go to war with this inconsiderate management that obviously does not care whether they have unhappy patrons or not. Of course the manager is not in. The girl at the desk was now indicating he would be in at 9:30am. So I demanded a room, advised her I had paid for one and I was not going off to another resort! She said they would work on getting our room. She gave us wrist bands so we could go eat and drink at least, but had no idea when the room would be available. I then asked her to use the phone so I could contact Grand Bahama Vacations immediately in the states and get this straightened out. She refused let me use a phone without a 100.00 deposit! Then proceeded to tell that the resort blocked 800 numbers from being called. By now I was so angry I couldn't see straight. We went to eat breakfast and came back around 11am. The manager is still not in. My husband, the calmer one of us went and spoke with the Assistant Manager, since the manager was still not in. He advised the Assistant Manager that at this point we are fed up, frustrated and angry, that we just wanted to go home to the states. She indicated that she would contact our Grand Bahama Vacations Representative and we could take the issue up with him. Going on 12 noon and several trips back to the Assistant Manager to find out where this our representative was and all she could tell us was that she had spoken to him on his cell phone and that he was on his way. We finally gave up on him ever showing up. We never saw him. Still no manager on site according to Assistant Manager. My husband in the mean time had negotiated with the Assistant Manager that since we were so inconvenienced upon arrival that we get a late check out on Sunday. She agreed to 1:30pm. He also asked for scooter for part of the day. She kept going into the back office to check with someone, then coming out and saying ok to what he was asking. Going on 1pm we are now bored and hot and still no time as to when we get a room, but at least a promise of one within 30 minutes. I put my suitcase in their storage area and change into swimwear and head for the beach with our luggage that had our valuables in it. As you know most people overpack for trips so we are lugging our stuff around the beach because we have no room! Exhausted and fed up we go back to the front desk and they finally have a room for us. We get to the room and because we were so mentally and physically tired from all of this, we sleep right up until 8pm! Literally two days of vacation wasted with arguing with people who did not care what happened to us. Friday we start to worry about the fact that we were uncomfortable with the Assistant Manager's promises since we had nothing in writing. Although I had a written comfirmation for this vacation and that meant nothing! Viewing the way things had gone so far I just did not trust anything. Well I was right. On Saturday the Assistant Manager had the nerve to tell my husband that she did not tell him 1:30pm check, that she said it would 12:45pm. I clearly heard her say 1:30pm because my husband had turned to me and asked me if 1:30pm was acceptable, to which I had agreed. I went up to the counter at that point. Told her I heard 1:30pm. She said I was mistaken. That actually if it couldn't be 12:45pm it would be 11am and she would get us a courtesy room for the rest of the afternoon. Really, really sick of this woman lying to us, I looked at her and told her that I would check on Sunday when I was good and ready because I was so fed up! Then the issue of the scooter. She said yes on Thursday and then vacilated about that as well. Finally she agreed to pay for the scooter for the afternoon since we wanted to go riding only for a couple of hours anyway. Come to find out later on Club Fortuna was telling everyone they had accomodated all of us with scooters which in itself was a lie because only my husband had asked for one. So Saturday was another frustrating, mentally taxing day. I would have had less anguish not taking vacation and staying at work! Sunday. I receive a call at approximately 9am. It is the Grand Bahama Vacations representative. I gave him a recap of what had happened during the past few days. I advised him that while talking to some of the people that stayed at this resort we found out that the Health Department had shut down a section of the bungalows for some sewage issue and that is why there is a shortage of rooms. I told him that I had made these reservations on March 17th. If there had been an issue with the this resort that Grand Bahama Vacations should have contacted all of us slated to stay at Club Fortuna and given us the choice of staying at the Lucayan Resort and refunded the food and drink portion since we paid for all inclusive or given me the choice of not going at all and giving me a refund. I also questioned him on why he never showed up on Thursday when the Assistant Manager kept telling us he was going to show up. He told me that the Assistant Manager had lied about contacting him. He was never contacted and did not know any of this was going on until late Saturday. At this point he asked if we had gotten a fruit basket. We had. But it came with no apology, nothing from management. We actually thought it was for the next people coming into the room. Fruit plate was too little too late. Surely they did not think a fruit plate was going to rectify the colossal mistreatment that had been imposed upon us. I advised him that due to the circumstances we had begged and pleaded for a late check out since our flight wasn't leaving at 7:40pm. I asked for at least a 3pm checkout. He said he would try to get us a late check out. me. My husband and I went to breakfast then to the beach trying to salvage what I would call one of the most exasperating, emotionally draining vacations I have ever taken. In the meantime we are sick with worry on when they were going to throw us out of the room. At 11am I see another couple who were in the same arrival party with us on Thursday. They had spoken to the Grand Bahama Vacations representative also. He had told them to tell all us to meet in the lobby at 1pm to take a taxi over to the Lucayan Resort where they would give us a room until it was time to go to the airport. Why on earth do we check out of one hotel, just to check into another. It was the most ridiculous solution and we decided we would keep hoping for the late checkout. We ran into a another couple who informs us that Club Fortuna had threatened them with police action if they did not vacate their room. I wasn't about to go over to the Lucayan Resort, so at 1:30pm we vacated the room for fear of being arrested! The rest of the afternoon was spent on the beach and in the pool. I had to get on the plane not washing my hair or taking a shower, oily, sweaty from the beach because after you vacate your room they have no facilities to take a shower or to use a hair dryer! Not to mention, once again I am on a beach with all most of my luggage. I cannot tell how relieved I was to finally get home and end this vacation. I can honestly say that the their was not one single day on this vacation that was fraught with worry or battling for what I was entitled to as a paying customer. It took my husband and I 5 years to get back to the bahama's for a long awaited vacation. We are both professionals with careers. I cannot stress enough, that time is a very precious commodity to us. My husband and I rarely get time away together because our schedules are so busy. 5 years ago we did not have the money to afford an extravagant vacation. Today we do and we still chose to go back to the place that we had enjoyed so much. I am shocked, appalled, disgusted, but most of all very disappointed with the total lack of consideration and empathy that Club Fortuna shows towards it's patrons. I cannot tell you how many people we talked to at this resort that were going through the same situation. A British gentleman informed us that half his party was over at the Lucayan Resort, when they had planned to all be together. Girls from Boston that showed up 9:30am and didn't their room until 4pm. The complaints were endless. Not one single person that we ran into had a good thing to say about the service or the staff working there. They all indicated that they would never come back. Never, never will we go back to Club Fortuna. I am starting an internet campaign against this resort. They have chat rooms of people inquiring about places to stay. Make no mistake I will be very verbal about my opinions about Club Fortuna. I, who once went around raving about Club Fortuna and told all my friends that they should go will now turn around and tell them all to stay far, far away. This vacation was anything but a vacation! It was hard work! Not to mention a total waste of time and a major inconvenience. I have two animals that I had to board in order to get away. I would have had a better, more relaxing time spending it at Wrightsville Beach. I should have followed my instincts and left for the states that Thursday morning when they were still trying to get us a room. Club Fortuna robbed us of something far more precious than money, our time. ** BELEK / RALEIGH, NC |
| 06:16:01 on 06/03/00 by FASST1 (ditson@mediaone.net) |
|
BELEK,
Sorry to hear about your disastrous trip. I am curious, however, about something. On another message board,
www.geographia.com/newsgrandbahama another lady that appears to have been there at the same time as you indicates
she had a simply fabulous time at Club Fortuna. Why don't you take a look at it and let us all know how there can be two
such disparate reports from people there at the same time? You indicated virtually everyone there was fed up with the
place. Obviously, some were not.
Danny |
| 14:55:58 on 06/04/00 by Bahama-Mama (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Belek,
I must agree with Danny....two people can see a resort through different eyes. I have never heard such a bad report on Club Fortuna. I know it's not a posh resort but it is good value for your money. There is another positive posting you should look at on the grand-bahama board (www.grand-bahama.com - click on newsgroup) - scroll down to Feb. 6/2000 and read the report by Cerri - entitled "trip report." Sorry you didn't have a great trip. best regards Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| Geographia Trip Report |
| 6/2/00 12:51:21 PM by Cerri (MsCShelton@aol.com) |
|
We arrived Fri. 5/26 at approx.11:30 pm. Immigration and Customs was
easy to get through,and after a quick cab/limo ride, we arrived at Club
Viva Fortuna. Immediately, I was impressed with the landscaping of the
grouonds. Hibiscus in beautiful shades of red, and the climbin bougainvilla
in shades of fuschia and peach were everywhere. The hotel lobby was
open-air, just as the dining room would be, as we discovered later. The
room had a balcony with 2 resin chairs and a table, and the floor of the
room was a terra-cotta style tile. I definitely recommend Club Viva
Fortuna- what a value! Sure, it's isolated, but we went on 2 tours and they
both picked us up and dropped us off. We were only there till Tuesday, so
we ended up taking 2 cab rides- one to the International Marketplace
(cost $12.00) and the other to Port Lucaya Marketplace (cost $8.00).
We only went to Port Lucaya Marketplace's Count Basie Square our last
night there, and I only wish we had gone much sooner! You've got to get
there, folks! At about dusk Little Joe Cartwright & the Islanders took the
stage and put on a terrific show. Their rendition of "Wonderful World" is
not to be missed! In fact, I liked them so much, I bought 2 of their CDs-
just see a band member for those. It was nice to see entire families
enjoying themselves. There was also a limbo show where a gentleman on
rollerskates got down within inches of the ground. He had a sidekick,
nicknamed "The Godfather"...a 68 yr old man who loved to dance and
loved the spotlight. He also did a mean limbo with his drink and cigarette
still in hand. Later on, dance music was played and the younger audience
had their fun. I recommend eating at "The Fat Man's Nephew"- Port Lucaya Marketplace, for authentic Bahamian food. Our cab driver recommended this spot, and we weren't disappointed. There's a certain magic in the air at Count Basie Square in the evening. We went on the Seawold Explorer, which was nice, but much smaller than the pictures show. Also, I recommend going down to the bottom of the boat, last so you have an easy escape route should you get nauseous, as I did. You get to see the view at the bottom of the reef- beautiful plant and animal life, and a diver enters the water to feed the fish. We also did the Combination Tour, also called the Freeport City Tour, and that was enjoyable as well. We had a very good and knowledgable tour guide, Desmond, shortened to "Des" at his request. they should give this guy a raise- he really went above and beyond the call of duty, giving us interesting facts about the Bahamas as a whole, as well as the local attractions and people. On this tour, we saw Garden of the Groves (beautiful), "Millionaire's Row", stopped at the International Marketplace, an open-air fruit market, and a distillery to sample and purchase the islands rum. The beach at Club Viva Fortuna was quite beautiful-powdery white sand, hutlike umbrellas, plenty of chaise lounges. Water sports are available although some are very costly. I wanted to try jet skiing, but not at $50.00 for 30 minutes! I loved this trip, my only wish is that I had gone for an entire week instead of 4 nights. I'll know better next time! |
| 6/2/00 3:52:27 PM by PaigeP |
| Thanks for the report, Cerri! I am going to BBI in about 6 weeks. I've never been there, and you have only heightened my anticipation! :) |
| 6/5/00 9:59:31 PM by Cerri (MsCShelton@aol.com) |
| Paige- Have a great trip to GBI! Be sure to report back to us. I didn't get to see everything that I wanted to but I hope to go back, and if possible I'd like to visit some of the other Bahama islands. |
| This page is owned by Joe Kusterer. |
| This page was last modified on 10 February 2001. |